Combined adaptor and container for emptying and refilling container

ABSTRACT

An adaptor container combination comprises a rigid tube mounted in a cross frame so as to project in both directions therefrom. The cross frame is placed astride the top of a tank or container which is to be emptied of, or refilled with, particulate matter, such as pellets. One end of the tube projects into the container and the other end projects outwardly therefrom. The outward end is provided with a fitting for connection to an air pressure line. The cross frame is held in place astride the can by a pair of springs which extend from opposite ends of the cross frame toward or to the bottom of the container. Several different embodiments are disclosed. In a preferred form, the tube is in two sections, one of which is removed to shorten the tube for use during a refilling process.

United States Patent [191 Smithson [451 Nov. 11, 1975 [22] Filed:

1 1 COMBINED ADAPTOR AND CONTAINER FOR EMPTYING AND REFILLING CONTAINER Harold R. Smithson, Westtown, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Oxy-Catalyst, Incorporated, West Chester, Pa.

Oct. 9, 1973 21 Appl. No.: 404,304

[75] Inventor:

[56] 1 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 1,813,769 7/1931 Riha 220/55 D 1,905,955 4/1933 Waehner 220/35 X 1,977,328 10/1934 Sousley 222/464 3,204,819 9/1965 Gurtler 222/464 X Primary Examiner-Charles J Myhre Assistant E\'aminerlra S. Lazarus [57] ABSTRACT An adaptor container combination comprises a rigid tube mounted in a cross frame so as to project in both directions therefrom. The cross frame is placed astride the top of a tank or container which is to be emptied of, or refilled with, particulate matter, such as pellets. One end of the tube projects into the container and the other end projects outwardly therefrom. The outward end is provided with a fitting for connection to an air pressure line. The cross frame is held in place astride the can by a pair of springs which extend from opposite ends of the cross frame toward or to the bottom of the container. Several different embodiments are disclosed. In a preferred form, the tube is in two sections. one of which is removed to shorten the tube for use during a refilling process.

18 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet1of3 3,918,487

U.S. Patent Nov. 11,1975 Sheet2 0f3 3,918,487

US. Patent Nov. 11, 1975 Sheet 3 of3 3,918,487

COMBINED ADAPTOR AND CONTAINER FOR EMPTYING AND REFILLING CONTAINER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION The present application is related to my prior copending application Ser. No. 240,969, now abandoned filed Apr. 4, 1972 and the disclosure in my aforesaid prior application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a combination of adaptor and a container for coupling a fluid pressure line, particularly a source of negative pneumatic pressure, to a tank or container for removing from the container, or refilling the container with, particulate material, such as pellets.

The present invention relates particularly to an adaptor for use in a system in which catalyst pellets are employed in a catalytic purifier system, in which the pellets when used and contaminated are replaced with fresh new pellets. I

It is known in the-prior art that a catalytic convertor, particularly a catalytic exhaust purifier, such as may be used in the muffler system on a motor vehicle, may be emptied of used contaminated pellets and recharged with fresh new pellets by means of a pneumatic system, particularly a negative pressure system whereby the contaminated pellets are sucked out through a tube into a collection canister.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A principle object of the present invention is to provides. simple adaptor structure for use in coupling a fluid pressure system, particularly a negative pneumatic pressure system, to a tank or other supply vessel containing catalytic pellets for the purpose of withdrawing the pellets from the supply container and transferring them to a muffler or other catalytic purifier.

Another object is to provide an adaptor for connecting a negative pressure system to a negative container for the purpose of withdrawing pellets or other particulate matter therefrom and also for the purpose of refilling an empty supply container with such particulate material.

Another object is to provide an adaptor as aforesaid which may be quickly and readily secured to the supply container, and readily removed therefrom, without the use of bolts, nuts, and screws.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevational view, in section, of a container having secured thereto one form of adaptor embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view, in section, of a container having attached thereto another form of adaptor embodying the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view looking down along the lines 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic elevational view showing the supply container in phantom and showing the presently preferred form of adaptor according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Several forms of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and described below in specific terms. However, such specific illustrations and descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to these specific forms. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims which are appended hereto.

FIG. 2 illustrates one form of adaptor which is not the presently preferred form. However, it will be convenient to describe FIG. 2 first. FIG. 2 shows a tank or container C having a cylindrical wall 30, a flat top 16, and an inverted frusto-conical built-in bottom 12. This container C contains a supply of catalytic pellets 14 (only partially shown) sufficient in quantity to fully recharge a catalytic convertor, such as a muffler for an automobile or other motor vehicle. The container C is made of metal, such as steel, and, until opened for removal of the pellets 14, the container C is closed to atmosphere. The metal lid 16 has a hole 18 therein which is sealed closed, as by a paper seal.

In accordance with the present invention, an adaptor A is provided which is used to facilitate removal of the catalytic pellets 14 from the container C and transfer of the pellets to a catalytic convertor by pneumatic pressure, preferably by suction.

The adaptor. A consists of a rigid metal tube 20 which passes through a hole in a cross channel member 24 and is secured thereto, as by welding. The tube 20 extends in both directions from the cross member 24. The lower portion of the tube 20, below the cross member 24, may be longer than the upper portion. The lower tip may be beveled, as at 22 in FIG. 2, to facilitate entry of the pellets 14 into the tube 20 during the withdrawal operation. The upper end of the tube 20 is provided with a fitting 50 which may be secured to the tube 20 as by welding. Fitting 50 is used to connect the tube 20 to the air pressure line.

Provided in the wall of tube 20, at a location above the cross member 24, is a circular hole and an upwardly extending slot 62. The hole 60 and slot 62 serve two important functions. One, they function as a sight opening which allows the attendant to see when no further pellets are passing upwardly through the tube, thereby indicating that the container C has been emptied. A second and even more important function of the opening 60 and slot 62 is that, by venting the tube 20 above or outsideof the container C, these openings improve the overall properties of the pneumatic pelletwithdrawal system. This is particularly true when the hole 60 is elongated in the direction of travel of the pellets, as by the slot62. In a typical installation, where the tube 20 is 1.25 inches in diameter and extends into the container C for distance of 8 inches, I have found that a substantially round hole, such as 60, on one side only of the tube 20, a diameter of 5/16 of an inch, positioned 1% inches from the upper end of the tube, and having a rectangular slot in the direction of pellet travel having dimensions of V3 inch by 3/ l 6 inch, is particularly effective in that when suction is applied in a direction to draw pellets upwardly through the tube, the limited amount of air which is drawn in through opening 60 and slot 62 creates an air stream which tends to fluidize and improve the flow of the pellets, thereby facilitating their withdrawal from the container.

Referring again to the cross channel member 24, this cross member has a length somewhat greater than the diameter of the top or lid 16 of the container C so that the cross member 24 projects beyond the container in both directions, and at each projecting end the cross member 24 is provided with a hole 26 for receiving the hook end of a coil spring 28. The hooked lower ends of the coil springs 28 are hooked under the bottom lips of the sidewall 30 of the container.

Cross member 24 is provided with a downward-direction open piercing punch 40, the purpose of which is to pierce and puncture the top of the container C to form an opening therein.

The manner in which the adaptor A is used will now be described. Assume that an automobile or motor vehicle has entered a garage or service station and that the attendant or mechanic has determined that it is necessary or desirable to recharge the muffler or catalytic purifier. The mechanic will take a tank or container C containing fresh catalytic pellets 14 from a supply rack and place it on the floor of the garage or service station. He will then remove the disc seal of paper or other material which covers hole 18 in the top or lid 16. He will then take an adaptor A and, grasping the cross channel member 24 at each of its opposite ends, he will push the tube 20 down through the open hole 18 until the cross member 24 abuts against the top 16. When he does this, the downwardly projecting sharp edges of the punch 40 puncture the lid 16 and spread the metal downwardly forming an opening 42 through which air may be drawn into the interior of the container C when suction pressure is applied to the upper end of the tube 20. The attendant or mechanic then hooks one end of each of two coil springs 28 into the holes 26 in the opposite ends of the cross member 24, and hooks the other ends of the springs 28 under the lower edges or bottom lips of the sidewall 30 of the container. The function of coil springs 28 is, of course, to maintain the cross member 24 in a firm fixed position across the top of the container C, thereby maintaining the tube 20 in a fixed vertical position. A hose (not shown) leading to a source of negative pressure, and to the catalytic convertor which is to be recharged with fresh pellets, is then attached to the fitting 50 and, when the negative pressure is applied, the pellets 14 in the container C are withdrawn upwardly through the tube 20. The attendant, by looking into the openings 60, 62 can determine when no more pellets are passing upwardly through the tube, thereby indicating to him that the container C has been emptied.

In the form shown in FIG. 2, venting through an open piercing punch 40 and punched hole 42 is necessary even through the hole 18, through which the tube 20 passes, may have a larger diameter then the tube. This is because the annular opening formed by hole 18 around the tube 20 is covered, and hence closed, by the cross member 24 The need for the open piercing punch 40 is avoided in the modified form of adaptor A and container C shown in FIG. 1.

In the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the need for the piercing punch is eliminated by providing an upstanding flange F about the top of the container C so that the cross member 124 of adaptor A is prevented from being pushed down into tight engagement with the flat surface of the top or lid 116, thereby preventing the cross member from closing the annular opening 118 about the tube 120. In FIG. 1, the flange F is shown to be formed by an upturned peripheral flange on lid 116 which engages with the upper peripheral edge of the container C forming the peripheral flange against which the cross channel member 124 abuts when the tube is pushed down into the container C. To compensate for the fact that some container space is lost by the modification at the top, just described, and to avoid increasing the overall height of the container, the bottom of the container C may be modified from the frusto-conical form shown in FIG. 2 to a more shallow dished form, as shown in FIG. 1, without interfering with the peripheral lip needed at the bottom of the container C for receiving the hooks of the springs 28.

The presently preferred form of adaptor A is shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the container is generally similar to that shown in FIG. 1, and is shown in phantom identified C".

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, tube 220 is in two sections, an upper section 221 and a lower section 222. While these sections may be threaded and screwed together, the two sections may preferably be interfitted and held frictionally, as by a gasket 227.

As seen in FIG. 4, the cross member 224 is welded to the tube 220 at such a location that the larger-diameter lower portion 223 of the upper section 221 and the entire lower section 222 are located to one side (below) the cross member 224. Thus, when the tube 220 is inserted into the container C until the cross member 224 is resting on the peripheral flange F of the container, the lower portion 223 of the upper section 221 and most of the lower section 222 are within the container C The two-section tube 220 has the advantage that both sections are used during withdrawal of the pellets from the supply container. However, if the supply container is to be refilled, as with contaminated pellets sucked or falling by gravity from a catalytic convertor, the lower section 222 may be removed and only the upper section 221, 223 used.

In the particular form of two-section tube shown in FIG. 4, the upper section 221 has a lower portion 223 of somewhat larger diameter forming an inner shoulder 225 against which the beveled upper edge of the lower section 222 abuts when the lower section is pushed into the upper section. The lower end of the larger-diameter section 223 is provided with a radially projecting C- shaped flange 226 which receives an annular gasket 227, preferably of neoprene.

In the form shown in FIG. 4, a further modification exists. The adaptor A is.designed to allow for larger heavier coil springs 228 to be used so as to retain the adaptor more firmly in position on the container. The adaptor is also designed to be used with containers C of varying diameters. For these purposes, the length of the cross channel member 224 is such that it projects to an increased extent beyond the periphery of a cylindrical tank or container C" of the size (diameter) illustrated in FIG. 4. Pads 23l may be provided on the underside of the cross channel member 224, as shown. To make it easier for the attendant to extend the heavier coil springs 228, a handle 240 is provided as illustrated, preferably formed of steel, and into the ends of opposite arms 242 of the handle, the lower ends of the springs 228 are hooked. Pads 241 may be placed on the arms 242 in the positions illustrated so that when the handle 240 is pulled down to extend the springs 228 sufficiently to allow the arms 242 to be swung under the bottom of the container C the pads 241 will come into engagement with thebottom peripheral lip of the container C when the pull force on the handle 240 is relaxed.

By the means shown in FIG. 4, the adaptor A" is held firmly in place on the top of the container C with the tube 220 entering the container through the open unplugged hole 218. The diameter of hole 218 is larger than the diameter of the tube 220, forming anannular opening about the tube to allow for entry of air into the container C" when suction pressure is applied to the top of the tube 220 to extract pellets from the container, and to allow air to escape from the container when contaminated (or other) pellets are blown into the container through the tube 220.

As in the case of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the tube 220 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4 is provided, at the upper end of the upper section 221, with a fitting 250 for connection to an air pressure line, and the sidewall of the upper section 221 is provided with a vent opening 260, 262 which is elongated in the direction of travel of the pellets through the tube.

It will be understood that changes may be made in the details, materials, and arrangement of parts which have been herein illustrated and described without'departing from the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims which follow.

It will further be understood that the Abstract of the Disclosure set forth at the begining of this specification is intended to provide a nonlegal technical statement of the disclosure, as required by the Rules of Practice of the United States Patent Office, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention claimed herein.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, an adaptor device attached to a container having a top and a bottom, said combination being adapted for connection to a negative pressure system for withdrawing particulate matter from, and for injecting particulate matter into, the container, said combination including:

a. rigid tubular means;

b. means providing an opening in said container, to

provide an air space when said tubular means is inserted into said container; wherein said means forming an opening is larger than said rigid tubular means and wherein said rigid tubular means projects through said opening with said air space intervening therebetween; a

c. a cross member connected to said tubular means at an intermediate point along the length thereof, said cross member extending laterally in both directions therefrom such that, when said cross member is placed astride the top of said container, a first portion of said tubular means projects outwardly away from said container and a second portion projects and extends inwardly into said container; and

d. means attached to said cross member for releasably retaining said cross member astride said container, whereby said air space functions as an air vent in the container for free air flow when materials are being inserted into or taken from said container.

2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said tubular means includes a first section and second section, said first section being secured to said cross member, said second section being connected removably to said first section and extending therefrom into said container when said cross member is astride said container.

3. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said tubular means includes a rigid tube and a sidewall, and wherein the sidewall of said first portion of said tubular means is provided with a vent opening remote from said cross member.

4. The combination according to claim 2 wherein said first section of said tubular means includes a wall and is provided with a vent opening in the wall thereof at a point removed from said cross member.

5. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said tube has an axis and the vent opening is elongated in the axial direction of said tubular means.

6. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said vent opening is elongated in the' axial direction of said tubular means.

7. The combination according to claim 5 wherein said vent opening includes a circular portion and an elongated slot portion in communication with said circular portion.

8. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said vent opening includes a circular portion and an elongated slot portion in communication with said circular portion.

9. The combination according to claim 2 wherein said first section of said tubular means includes a portion on the container side of said cross member having an enlarged diameter for receiving the end of said second section of said tubular means in interfitting relation with each other.

10. The combination according to claim 9 wherein said second tubular means has a wall and wherein the lower extremity of said enlarged diameter portion of said first section of said tubular means has a radially outwardly projecting C-shaped flange, said C-shaped flange having a cavity, and wherein an annular gasket is disposed within the cavity of said C-shaped flange for frictional engagement with the wall of said second section of said tubular means.

11. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said releasable retaining means includes coil springs attached to opposite ends of said cross member.

12. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said releasable retaining means includes coil springs attached to opposite ends of said cross member.

13. The combination according to claim 10 wherein said releasable retaining means includes coil springs attached to opposite ends of said cross member.

14. The combination according to claim 13 wherein handle means are secured to the opposite ends of said coil springs for facilitating extension thereof.

15. The combination according to claim 14 wherein said container has a bottom carrying a peripheral bottom lip, and wherein said handle means includes bearing surfaces against which the peripheral bottom lip of said container bears when said springs are extended by said handle and said handle is swung under the bottom of said container.

16. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said first portion of said tubular means has an outer end which is provided with a pressure fitting.

17. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said first portion of said tubular means has an outer end which is provided with a pressure fitting.

18. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said container has a top which includes a flat surface, and wherein said cross member when placed astride said container is supported above the flat surface of said top by a peripheral container flange. 

1. In combination, an adaptor device attached to a container having a top and a bottom, said combination being adapted for connection to a negative pressure system for withdrawing particulate matter from, and for injecting particulate matter into, the container, said combination including: a. rigid tubular means; b. means providing an opening in said container, to provide an air space when said tubular means is inserted into said container; wherein said means forming an opening is larger than said rigid tubular means and wherein said rigid tubular means projects through said opening with said air space intervening therebetween; c. a cross member connected to said tubular means at an intermediate point along the length thereof, said cross member extending laterally in both directions therefrom such that, when said cross member is placed astride the top of said container, a first portion of said tubular means projects outwardly away from said container and a second portion projects and extends inwardly into said container; and d. means attached to said cross member for releasably retaining said cross member astride said container, whereby said air space functions as an air vent in the container for free air flow when materials are being inserted into or taken from said container.
 2. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said tubular means includes a first section and second section, said first section being secured to said cross member, said second section being connected removably to said first section and extending therefrom into said container when said cross member is astride said container.
 3. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said tubular means includes a rigid tube and a sidewall, and wherein the sidewall of said first portion of said tubular means is provided with a vent opening remote from said cross member.
 4. The combination according to claim 2 wherein said first section of said tubular means includes a wall and is provided with a vent opening in the wall thereof at a point removed from said cross member.
 5. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said tube has an axis and the vent opening is elongated in the axial direction of said tubular means.
 6. The combination according to claim 4 wherein said vent opening is elongated in the axial direction of said tubular means.
 7. The combination according to claim 5 wherein said vent opening includes a circular portion and an elongated slot portion in communication with said circular portion.
 8. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said vent opening includes a circular portion and an elongated slot portion in communication with said circular portion.
 9. The combination according to claim 2 wherein said first section of said tubular means includes a portion on the container side of said cross member having an enlarged diameter for receiving the end of said second section of said tubular means in interfitting relation with each other.
 10. The combination according to claim 9 wherein said second tubular means has a wall and wherein the lower extremity of said enlarged diameter portion of said first section of said tubular means has a radially outwardly projecting C-shaped flange, said C-shaped flange having a cavity, and wherein an annular gasket is disposed within the cavity of said C-shaped flange for frictional engagement with the wall of said second Section of said tubular means.
 11. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said releasable retaining means includes coil springs attached to opposite ends of said cross member.
 12. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said releasable retaining means includes coil springs attached to opposite ends of said cross member.
 13. The combination according to claim 10 wherein said releasable retaining means includes coil springs attached to opposite ends of said cross member.
 14. The combination according to claim 13 wherein handle means are secured to the opposite ends of said coil springs for facilitating extension thereof.
 15. The combination according to claim 14 wherein said container has a bottom carrying a peripheral bottom lip, and wherein said handle means includes bearing surfaces against which the peripheral bottom lip of said container bears when said springs are extended by said handle and said handle is swung under the bottom of said container.
 16. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said first portion of said tubular means has an outer end which is provided with a pressure fitting.
 17. The combination according to claim 6 wherein said first portion of said tubular means has an outer end which is provided with a pressure fitting.
 18. The combination according to claim 1 wherein said container has a top which includes a flat surface, and wherein said cross member when placed astride said container is supported above the flat surface of said top by a peripheral container flange. 